all in tears, She revealed Herself no doubt to certain
persons, more especially to the souls in love with sorrow, the mystical
souls that delight in reviving the anguish of the Passion and following
the Mother in Her heart-breaking way to the Cross. She would thus seem
less attractive to the vulgar who do not love woe or weeping; it may be
added that they still less love reproof and threats. The Virgin of La
Salette could not become popular, by reason of Her aspect and address,
while She of Lourdes, who appeared smiling, and prophesied no
catastrophes, was easy of access to the hopes and gladness of the crowd.

"She was, in short, in that sanctuary, the Virgin of the world at large,
not the Virgin of mystics and artists, the Virgin of the few, as at La
Salette.

"What a mystery is this direct intervention of the Christ's Mother on
earth!" thought Durtal.

And he went on: "It is clear, on reflection, that the churches founded
by Her may be classed in two very distinct groups.

"One group where She has revealed Herself to certain persons, where
waters spring and bodily ills are healed: La Salette and Lourdes.

"The other, where She has never been gazed on by human beings, or where
Her appearance occurred in immemorial times, in forgotten centuries, the
dead ages. In those chapels prayer alone is in force, and Mary answers
it without the help of any waters. Indeed, She effects more moral than
physical cures. Notre Dame de Fourvieres at Lyon, Notre Dame de
Sous-Terre at Chartres, Notre Dame des Victoires at Paris, to mention
only three.

"Wherefore this difference? None can understand, and probably none will
ever know. At most may we suppose that in compassion for the everlasting
craving of our hapless souls wearied with prayer without sight, She
would fain confirm our faith and help to gather in the flock by showing
Herself.

"In all this obscurity," Durtal went on, "is it at least possible to
discern some dim landmarks, some vague law?

"As we gaze into the darkness, two spots of light appear," he replied to
himself.

"In the first place, this: She appears to none but the poor and humble;
She addresses the simple souls who have in a way handed down the
primitive occupation, the biblical function of the Patriarchs; She
unveils herself to the children of the soil, to the shepherds, to girls
as they watch the flock. Both at La Salette and at Lourdes She chose
little pastors for Her confidants, and this is intellig